The Best Japanese Rice Cooker
Your Ultimate Guide to The Best Japanese Rice Cookers
Rice has become an important aspect of many civilizations. It is a cheap and versatile grain that is utilized and enjoyed by various cuisines throughout the world. Rice can be eaten alone, as a side dish, or as a basic component in a variety of meals such as fried rice, sushi, onigiri, and many more. Without a doubt, rice is an important aspect of Asian culture.
Nowadays, several Japanese electronic and homeware manufacturers such as Mitsubishi, Zojirushi, Panasonic, Tiger, and Toshiba have manufactured popular rice cookers with varying functions that have become household staples. Today, we’ll look at the best Japanese rice cookers that can make soft and delicious rice for your daily consumption.
Which is the top one?
- 11 rice cookers compared on the same points
- No brand pays to appear or to rank higher
- Updated when models change or are discontinued
Our top picks
Editor’s choice
Best Overall
Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 Neuro Fuzzy® Rice Cooker & Warmer
This Zojirushi is one of the best rice cookers in the market today with its various settings, easy-to-read display, and non-stick inner pot.
$243.99
Was $258.59
Save 6%
Best Value Rice Cooker
Aroma 8-Cup Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD
With a sizable yield, this Aroma rice cooker won't let you down in the kitchen. Its keep-warm function ensures your rice is perfect for hours.
Best Smart Rice Cooker
CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker
This is the rice cooker of the future. Controllable via smartphone, this cooker is incredibly easy to set up and use.
$153.05
List price $199.99
Save 23%
Compared at a glance
Every pick reviewed
#1 Best Overall
Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 Neuro Fuzzy® Rice Cooker & Warmer
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you’re looking for the best Japanese rice cooker to invest in, look no further than the made-in-Japan Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 Rice Cooker. What makes this rice cooker stand out from your basic rice cooker and other Japanese models is its advanced Computerized Fuzzy Logic technology, which allows the cooker to think for itself.
This Zojirushi cooker masters your preferred cooking cycle and then adjusts its temperature and heating time accordingly so that you can yield perfect rice every time.
Not only can IH rice cookers like this cook regular rice perfectly, but they also feature settings that allow you to cook different rice and grain varieties, from short grain rice to sushi rice to brown rice to rinse-free rice to mixed rice and oats to quinoa.
We also love that this induction rice cooker comes in two sizes, so you can choose between the 5.5-cup model or the 10-cup model depending on your household’s rice consumption. The features of this rice cooker are out of this world and it’s truly not a wonder why the Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 Rice Cooker is hailed as one of the best rice cookers out there.
Read our full Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 Neuro Fuzzy® Rice Cooker & Warmer review
What we like
- Low maintenance
- Advanced technology
- Variety of menu settings
- Has Zojirushi induction technology
- Easy to carry and transport
- Extra large, easy-to-read LCD display
- Micom Rice Cooker
What we don’t
- Might be difficult to navigate
- Basic body design
- A little pricey
$243.99
Was $258.59
Save 6%
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#2 Best Value Rice Cooker
Aroma 8-Cup Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This Aroma Housewares rice cooker includes four built-in, quick-cooking presets, including regular rice, brown rice, keep rice warm, steam, delay timer, and flash rice.
With these cooking modes, users can craft a wide range of delicious meals aside from their usual steamed rice. With an 8-cup capacity, this rice cooker is the ideal size for single-serving meals throughout the day or for a small family.
This unit from Aroma consists of easy-to-operate programmable digital controls and a keep-warm function that can keep your rice at the perfect temperature all day.
More than just a dedicated rice cooker, it has a single-pot cooking feature that lets you cook everything in a single go like vegetables, fish, shrimp, dumplings, and any other foods at the top with rice cooking at the bottom.
The 15-hour delay feature allows you to plan your meal beforehand. The pack contains a steam tray, a rice measuring cup, a serving spatula, a user manual, and exclusive recipes and coupons in order to have a variety of options while cooking.
With a stainless steel exterior, this cooker is durable and easy to wipe off. Its inner cooking pot is made of bonded granite that is nonstick and dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. The rice cooker includes a steam cooking plate, an inner pan, measuring cups, and a serving spatula.
Read our full Aroma 8-Cup Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker ARC-914SBD review
What we like
- Flash rice function cuts cooking time in half
- Yields 2 to 8 servings of rice
- Portable and lightweight
- Beginner-friendly
What we don’t
- Not suitable for larger households
$36.99
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#3 Best Smart Rice Cooker
CHEF iQ Smart Pressure Cooker
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you’re looking for a rice cooker that you can control using your phone, then this one’s for you. With either an iOS or Android phone, users can access over 300 cooking presets to not only cook perfect rice, but also delicious meals, including meat, poultry, veggies, and more.
Chef iQ has designed an elegant rice cooker with an internal scale to weigh items quickly and easily, while the Chef iQ app allows access to more than 100 recipes, including ones for cooking rice perfectly.
It holds up to 6 quarts and has three automatic steam release options. This cooker comes with a steam rack, steam basket, and a nonstick inner pan that makes it easy to clean up after every meal.
What we like
- Comes with the CHEF iQ app that contains guided recipes and a cooking calculator function
- Has more than 300 cooking presets
- Built-in scale
- Pressure regulator knob
- Nonstick pot
- Includes a steamer basket, cooking rack, silicone lid, and more
What we don’t
- Expensive
- Cannot remotely start cooking from app
- Can take up counter space
$153.05
List price $199.99
Save 23%
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#4
DASH Mini Rice Cooker
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This small Japanese rice cooker by DASH may be compact, but it’s a high-quality cooker that can make rice perfectly and quickly. It is very easy to use and has two cooking functions: cooker and warm.
The first will cook rice at an ideal cooking temperature and time while the second will keep rice warm and evenly cooked while the rest of the meal is still cooking.
With a maximum capacity of 2 cups, this mini version is an excellent choice for single-serve needs. It comes in five colors, including aqua, black, pink, red, and white. Its compact size makes it great for smaller spaces or kitchens with limited storage options. DASH also included accessories in the box.
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#5
Hamilton Beach Digital Simplicity Rice Cooker 37549
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
This programmable cooker features menu settings for different cooking options such as cooking jasmine rice, sushi rice, sticky rice, sweet rice, mixed rice, porridge, congee, and brown rice, as well as steam and slow cooking settings.
Included in the Hamilton Beach rice cooker is a two-in-one rinser and steamer basket so the rice can be rinsed and then cooked in a single container. The inner cooking pan has a nonstick coating for easy washing.
Its large capacity of 14 measuring cups of rice (cooked) makes it ideal for big families and meal prepping, as well as a keep-warm function that allows for fresh and fluffy rice all day.
The stainless steel construction of this versatile rice cooker is sturdy and will hold up over time, even with daily use.
Read our full Hamilton Beach Digital Simplicity Rice Cooker 37549 review
What we like
- Large capacity
- Can cook more than just rice
- Has a unique heat/simmer feature
- Up to 15 hours delay timer
What we don’t
- Inner pot is not induction heating, so there's a tendency for the rice at the bottom to burn
$87.45
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#6
Zojirushi NW-JEC18 Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Zojirushi has established itself as a leading brand of rice cookers with almost all of their products becoming staples in many households.
Their latest, the NW-JEC18 is a good rice cooker that makes rice according to the user’s preference. It’s available as a 5.5-cup rice cooker, perfect for small households, while large families would love the 10-cup rice cooker option.
This Zojirushi rice cooker warmer uses pressure to make rice and also utilizes induction heating (IH) to make fine adjustments throughout the entire process. The brand has also equipped it with Advanced Fuzzy Logic Technology that works together with AI to cook the ideal bowl of rice.
If you’re an absolute rice fanatic, this is the best Japanese rice cooker for you as it features a “My Rice” setting, allowing you to customize your grains the way you like them.
Whether you put in white rice, long-grain rice, sushi rice, or brown rice, this Zojirushi pressure induction heating rice cooker warmer will adjust the cooking flow until it gets to your desired texture.
Aside from making rice, the Zojirushi pressure induction heating cooker comes with a myriad of cooking functions that make this appliance more than just a dedicated rice cooker. Use this Zojirushi pressure induction heating cooker for your soups, stews, steel-cut oats, and so much more.
Read our full Zojirushi NW-JEC18 Pressure Induction Heating Rice Cooker & Warmer review
What we like
- Comes in two capacities, 5.5 cups and 10 cups
- Pressurized cooking
- Advanced Fuzzy Logic Technology with AI
- Can customize rice via the My Rice feature
- Has various menu options
What we don’t
- Expensive
$636.99
Was $686.00
Save 7%
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#7
Toshiba Low Carb Digital Programmable Multi-Functional Rice Cooker
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Japanese cookers like this one make it easier for you to enjoy the benefits of living a healthier life with less effort. It is ideal for health-conscious individuals as it is equipped for cooking rice and making it lower carb, removing at least 37% of the unwanted and considerably unhealthy digestive starch from the rice.
This rice cooker has an LED display and eight pre-programmed settings that allow for cooking different varieties of rice, grains, and foods like white and brown rice, mixed grains, quinoa, steam, soup, stew, and oatmeal.
This Toshiba rice cooker also features advanced fuzzy technology which allows the rice cooker to make the necessary adjustments to the cooking time and cooking temperature for great rice that you can keep warm all day.
Read our full Toshiba Low Carb Digital Programmable Multi-Functional Rice Cooker review
What we like
- Easy to use and clean
- LED smart digital panel
- Delay timer functions
- Removable inner lid
What we don’t
- Consumes higher power
- Slightly more expensive than other rice cookers
$199.99
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#8
Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Stainless steel cookers are a fantastic investment as they’re durable and great inductors for making rice that’s consistently warm and fluffy. The Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer is named as such as it has a smart microcomputer that is capable of cooking all types of rice perfectly.
It also doubles as a steamer, allowing you to cook different foods at the top while the rice cooks at the bottom.
This Zojirushi Micom rice cooker also comes with a programmable timer, as well as additional functions like reheating and keep-warm modes. You can also change the beep signal and melody to suit your preference.
The accessories include a cup to measure rice accurately, a food steamer basket, and a spatula.
Read our full Zojirushi NS-TSC10 Micom Rice Cooker and Warmer review
What we like
- Compact build
- Advanced technology
- Variety of menu settings
- Delay timer
- Automatic and Extended Keep Warm
- Comes with a steam basket
What we don’t
- Pricey for its size
- Complicated for beginners
$183.99
Was $228.57
Save 20%
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#9
Tiger JNP-S10U-HU 5.5-Cup Rice Cooker
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
If you’re looking for something that still has a few key Japanese rice cooker features but is simpler to use, this device from Tiger is just the thing you need.
It simplifies the process as much as possible by offering two functions, which are for cooking white rice and keeping it warm for up to 12 hours.
This large rice cooker features a dew collector and steam vent cap which are also removable, making the cleaning process simple and the lid handle remains cool to ensure you don’t burn your hands.
Other high-quality components like the stainless steel exterior and non-stick interior coating are two essential parts that ensure optimal performance and long-lasting durability.
What we like
- Ideal for beginners
- Up to 12 hours keep warm functionality
- Nonstick inner pot
What we don’t
- Steam vent may be hard to clean
- Not ideal for cooking brown rice
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#10
Tiger JBX-B10U Multi-Functional Rice Cooker
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Just because you’re on a bit of a tighter budget doesn’t mean you can’t get yourself a good quality Japanese rice cooker.
The Tiger JBX-B10U is sure to have all the features you’re looking for, such as the LCD control panel, eight pre-set programs, a quick-cooking function, and even a synchro-cooking that allows you to cook two meals simultaneously without them affecting each other’s flavor.
While not necessarily a mini cooker, it comes in a compact 5.5-cup size that can fit anywhere.
Read our full Tiger JBX-B10U Multi-Functional Rice Cooker review
What we like
- Innovative angular shape
- Easy one-touch buttons
- Can cook rice & main dish
- Variety of menu selections
- BPA-free, scratch-resistant, and non-stick inner pot
What we don’t
- Small capacity
- Menu selections may be difficult to navigate for some users
- A bit expensive
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#11
Panasonic SR-42HZP Commercial Rice Cooker
Functionality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Quality: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Price: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Cooking rice in large batches can be difficult to do over the stove. Not only will you have to wait for long periods between batches, but you also can’t be assured of keeping the rice quality consistent.
To cook and serve flawless rice in food establishments, a large-scale Japanese cooker like the Panasonic SR-42ZHP is what you need.
This commercial cooker has a one-touch button that makes cooking simple and easy. Simply load your grains, add the appropriate amount of water, push the cook button, and it will do all the cooking for you. Once the rice is done, it will automatically switch to the Keep Warm mode.
Furthermore, rice isn’t the only thing that this cooker can make. You can also use it to cook other grains and braise food as well.
$229.49
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So, which one should you buy?
Final Note
Made with durable, long-lasting, and high-grade material, rice cookers from Japan are some of the best purchases you could make if you’re someone who eats rice every day. Not only can most of them cook perfect rice every time, but they also feature settings that automatically let you cook different grains and foods.
If you’re looking to make an upgrade with your electronic rice cooker, these best Japanese rice cooker brands are certainly the way to go. We also have a guide on the best rice cookers in the market you can check out. You can also check our collection of delicious rice dishes that you can make in your rice cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Japanese Rice Cookers Work?
Rice cookers from Japan are a bit different from your conventional rice cooker. Regular electric rice cookers feature a simple bucket heater with a metal pot inside and a lid and cook uncooked rice in one setting, making the cooking experience very straightforward.
On the other hand, most Japanese cookers have several buttons and features that not only help in cooking regular rice but also help in cooking other grains easily. These are also steam pressurized meaning they require less water when cooking, creating perfect rice every time.
Are Japanese Rice Cookers Better?
If you regularly cook rice and other grains and are looking for a rice cooker that gives you different options, a Japanese rice cooker may be a better option for you than a traditional rice cooker.
While many rice cookers are capable of cooking different types of rice, cookers made in Japan tend to have many settings that can make your cooking process even faster and easier. The cooking modes can vary from one Japanese rice cooker brand to another but a lot of them have options to not only cook rice but make porridge, steam food, make stews, soups, noodles, congee, and bake bread as well.
What Rice Cooker Is Most Popular in Japan?
Zojirushi rice cookers are some of the best Japanese cookers in the market. In this guide, we named the Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 as the best, featuring advanced Fuzzy Logic technology that allows it to automatically adjust the temperature and heating time to produce rice perfectly every time.
While not on the list, another great rice cooker by Zojirushi is the NP-HCC10XH Induction Heating Rice Cooker Warmer. This rice cooker can make precise temperature adjustments to deliver excellent rice. Furthermore, as expected from Zojirushi, this model is equipped with a multitude of cooking functions, an automatic Keep Warm function, and a delay timer.
Are any rice cookers made in Japan?
There are numerous high-quality rice cookers that are made in Japan. In fact, a lot of the top rice cooker brands hail from Japan. Some popular brands include Zojirushi, Tiger, and Panasonic.
What is the no.1 rice cooker?
There is no single answer to this as the top rice cooker can vary according to a person’s cooking needs. However, if you’re looking for the most praised rice cookers across the globe, there is no doubt that Japanese cookers are the ones that first come to mind.
What is Japanese rice?
Japanese rice refers to short-grain or medium-grain rice cultivars of Japonica rice. When cooked, it has a fluffy and slightly sticky texture. It is usually served alongside Japanese food. This type of rice is also used for sushi rice.
What is the difference between Zojirushi and Micom?
Zojirushi is a highly popular rice cooker brand from Japan. On the other hand, micom is simply an abbreviation of “microcomputer” which is used in many rice cookers. This means that a Micom rice cooker has a built-in microcomputer that can control the desired rice cooking settings.
A good example of a micom cooker is the Tiger Micom Rice Cooker that cooks up to 10 cups and functions as a steamer, warmer, and slow cooker as well.
What is the smallest size of a rice cooker?
Mini rice cookers are perfect for single-servings and when you don’t need that much rice. For those who live alone or living in a two-person household, a 3-cup rice cooker is enough. Check out this guide for the best mini rice cookers on the market right now.
Is Tiger rice cooker a Japanese brand?
Tiger was founded and based in Osaka, Japan. A trusted Japanese rice cooker brand, Tiger has been producing rice cookers for the international market for about 20 years.
Tiger was the first manufacturer to introduce Induction Heating, or IH, technology for rice cooking. It also offers several models that use fuzzy logic rice cooking technology.
Is Zojirushi Japanese or Chinese?
Zojirushi is a Japanese brand. However, Zojirushi rice cookers are made in both Japan and China. It is worth noting that rice cookers made in the latter are created for export purposes and, while capable of producing perfectly cooked rice while those made in Japan are considered to be of even higher quality.
Which is better, Tiger or Zojirushi?
Both are leading brands that can deliver perfectly cooked rice with ease. The right choice will depend on your budget and specific needs. Zojirushi usually employs advanced features to help individuals make delicious rice, while Tiger cookers often have simple, straightforward interfaces.
Which is better, Zojirushi or Cuckoo?
Zojirushi is a Japanese brand while Cuckoo is a Korean rice cooker brand. Both options are excellent for making flawless rice. It all boils down to your budget and what you’re looking for in a rice cooker and warmer.
Are Panasonic rice cookers made in Japan?
Panasonic rice cookers are made in Japan and many models are available for purchase internationally.
Is Instant Pot made in Japan?
No, Instant Pot is a Canadian brand of multicookers.